Previous pages: An understated
landscape element? No, it’s a private,
light-filled guest house designed by
Mitsuori Architects. Its distinctive
cladding is Accoya timber – not a
species, but rather an ecologically
sound pickling treatment to prevent
moisture but encourage natural
weathering. A temporary grey stain
was applied until the sun and rain
take over. This ‘wall’ will soon be
covered in vines, furthering the
home’s disappearing trick.
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The term hiding in plain sight comes to mind
with this surprising home designed by Matthew
Murfett and sited at the end of a tennis court.
“The brief called for a guest house to accom-
modate the owners’ visiting children and
grandchildren,” says Murfett. “It had to look dif-
ferent from the main home on the property, be
some distance from the existing structure, and
have an understated feel. With various constraints
to consider such as setbacks and driveway loca-
tion, we proposed creating a house at the end of
the tennis court with the look of a landscape wall.”
The resulting design is a simple rectilinear
form from the outside with the Accoya treated
timber cladding finished in a grey stain that will
fade as natural weathering takes over.
Accoya acetylated timber is an eco-friendly
process, not a species. The wood, in this case
pine, is pickled to achieve moisture-prevention
benefits similar to those gained with tanalised
wood – but without the heavy chemical input.
Greenery will grow up the facade over time,
adding to its appearance as a landscape feature.
“The facade on both long sides of the building
is animated by louvre screens that can be opened
or closed to keep the interiors comfortable,” says